FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION SAYS H.2009 WOULD BENEFIT MA CONSUMERS

The FTC just announced some key observations after analyzing a bill which would retire physician supervision in Massachusetts.They note there are serious shortages that exist in some areas of practice and some geographic areas within the state including 75 federally designated primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas. The FTC also comments that "more than half of all anesthesiologists practicing in Massachusetts are based in two counties, Suffolk and Middlesex".

The FTC analysis further acknowledges that passage of H. 2009 would allow nurse practitioners (NPs) and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to practice to the full extent of their education, training and abilities allowing institutional health care providers to better deploy them, as needed. Massachusetts health care consumers would likely benefit from lower costs, additional innovation, and improved access to care because the bill helps expand the supply of services and providers.

In their final conclusion, the FTC comments, "regarding APRN practice, removing these supervision requirements has the potential to benefit consumers by improving access to care, containing costs, and expanding innovation in health care delivery."